Post By Admin
June 24, 2025Using the bathroom everyday means you should be ready for any sudden issue there. That’s why, mastering basic skills to maintain or repair your bathroom is a must.
And where to start? Probably the obvious one: unclog your bathtub. Of course, it begins with removing the drain.
As one of reliable plumbing maintenance services, we understand your struggle. Now, let’s discuss how to remove the tub drain without hassle!
What Should You Prepare Before Removing a Tub Drain?
Before you jump into the job, a little prep goes a long way. The process isn’t complicated, but having the right setup can save you from unnecessary mess or frustration.
So, let’s get everything in place before learning how to remove the drain from the bathtub the easy way. Here’s what to do first:
- Clear the tub area – Remove shampoo bottles, bath toys, or anything else that might get in the way.
- Wipe the surface dry – A dry tub is safer and gives you better grip while working.
- Gather your tools – You’ll need things like a flathead screwdriver, drain wrench or pliers, and a flashlight if the lighting’s not great.
- Keep a rag or towel nearby – It helps with cleanup or catching any debris or water that might come up.
- Put on rubber gloves – Because you never know what’s lurking down there.
Once that’s all sorted, you’re all set to move on to the actual removal—without any mid-task surprises.
5 Steps to Remove Your Tub Drain Safely
Got your tools ready? Great. Now let’s walk through each step to remove the tub drain without breaking a sweat—or your plumbing.
1. Remove the Drain Stopper or Cover
Start by taking off any drain stopper or cover that’s in place. The type of stopper will determine how you remove it—some twist off, some need to be unscrewed.
Tip: If it’s a toe-touch or push-pull stopper, just twist counter-clockwise until it pops off. For trip-lever types, you might need to unscrew a faceplate on the overflow drain.
2. Clean the Area Around the Drain
Once the stopper is out of the way, wipe the drain area clean. You don’t want dirt or soap scum messing with your grip on the next tools.
Caution: Don’t skip this part—grease or grime could cause your wrench to slip, which can damage the tub surface or your knuckles.
3. Insert the Drain Wrench or Pliers
Now comes the core step in how to get drain out of tub situations. Place a drain wrench (or a smart dumbbell wrench) into the crossbars inside the drain. Turn counter-clockwise to loosen.
If you don’t have a drain wrench, you can carefully use needle-nose pliers. Just make sure they grip the crossbars firmly.
Warning: Be gentle with the crossbars. If they break off, you’ll need an extractor tool—and things get trickier from there.
4. Unscrew and Remove the Drain
Keep turning the wrench or pliers until the entire drain lifts out. It might take a bit of effort, especially if the drain has years of grime or hardened plumber’s putty around it.
Tip: If it’s really stuck, pour a bit of penetrating oil around the edges and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
5. Clean Out the Drain Hole
With the drain removed, you’ll probably see a ring of old plumber’s putty or buildup. Use a putty knife or cloth to clean that out thoroughly.
Extra Tip: If you ever need to block a bathtub drain without a plug, this is also where you’d place a temporary solution—like a flat rubber drain cover or even a jar lid in a pinch.
What Should You Do After Removing a Tub Drain?
So, the drain is out—nice work! But don’t rush to install a new one just yet. There are a few important things to take care of first to make sure your tub stays clean, functional, and leak-free.
Here’s what you should do next:
Check for any signs of rust or damage
Look closely at the exposed area. If the threads are worn out or the surrounding surface is corroded, it might be time to repair or replace that section of the plumbing.
Inspect the old drain
Is it still in good shape? If it’s rusty, cracked, or coated in years of buildup, don’t bother putting it back. Installing a new drain will give your tub a fresh start and help prevent future leaks.
Let everything dry completely
Before adding anything new—whether it’s plumber’s putty or a new drain—make sure the area is bone dry. Moisture can weaken the seal.
FAQ about Removing Tub Drain
How can I unscrew my bathtub drain?
Use a drain wrench or pliers, place them into the crossbars inside the drain, and twist counter-clockwise. A little muscle and patience go a long way!
How to remove a bathtub drain without a drain tool?
No wrench? No problem. Grab needle-nose pliers, fit them into the crossbars, and twist slowly. Just be careful not to snap anything—you want to remove the drain, not destroy it.
Can a tub drain be moved?
Technically, yes—but it’s not a casual DIY task. You’ll need to reroute plumbing, which usually means opening walls or floors. Definitely a “call-a-pro” situation.
Can I snake my bathtub drain?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s a smart move before removing the drain. A quick snaking can clear out hair and gunk so you don’t have to meet it face-to-face later.
Are bathtub drains replaceable?
Totally. If your old drain is rusty or cracked, swap it out for a new one. It’s one of the easiest upgrades you can make to keep your tub fresh and leak-free.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to remove tub drain the right way, you’re one step closer to mastering your bathroom maintenance game.
Not feeling up to it? Let Neighbourhood Plumbing take care of it for you—quick, clean, and hassle-free. Contact us today and we’ll handle the dirty work while you sit back and relax!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
